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The increasingly stale Marvel formula gets a blast of fresh air in this rollocking adventure movie, which combines a steady stream of character-based comedy with action sequences that are integrated seamlessly into the plot. Like last summer's Guardians of the Galaxy, the film departs from the usual tired structure to joyously tell a story that's more than pure escapism.

Released from prison after a stint for burglary, Scott (Paul Rudd) is struggling to restart his life when he has an unexpected encounter with Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), an inventor who needs his help. Hank's technology company is being steered away from his original vision to help mankind by his daughter Hope (Evangeline Lilly) and his protege Darren (Corey Stoll), who see a chance to make a lot of money by selling Hank's ideas to the highest bidder. Hank's biggest breakthrough is a suit that shrinks the wearer down to ant-size, allowing for all kinds of unexpected possibilities. Pushed into a corner, Scott starts learning how to master the suit. But his ex-wife (Judy Greer) is now engaged to a cop (Bobby Cannavale) who's keeping his eye on Scott.

One of director Peyton Reed's main challenges was to sell the whole idea of an insect-sized warrior, and he does that fairly effortlessly, revealing an increasingly cool series of possibilities in each action sequence. These set-pieces emerge organically from the story, combining comedy and exhilaratingly coherent action to push the narrative forward. One of the best moments is an encounter with one of the Avengers (Anthony Mackie's Falcon), which offers a strong hint about how Ant-Man can liven up the franchise as a whole. And the climactic sequence is an inspired collision of mind-bending effects and inventive humorous touches (Thomas the Tank Engine nearly steals the whole film). Plus two post-credit stings for the fanboys.

With Adam McKay turning down directing 'Ant-Man,' is it time for Marvel to scrap the film entirely or look for other options?

Why doesn’t anyone want to direct 'Ant-Man'!? Well, I’m sure someone does, but for some reason, Marvel is having a bit of a difficult time trying to keep someone attached to the project. The superhero film had its first director, Edgar Wright, take over the reins all the way back in 2006, so it was definitely a blow when he decided to leave directing duties late last month. However, soon after, Marvel was in talks to enlist someone new already: 'Anchorman' director Adam McKay...but then he left too due to time restraints with his schedule.

Edgar Wright left the film after being involved for nearly a decade

So, where does 'Ant-Man' go from here? Does Marvel spend time sifting through candidates hoping to find one that's willing, or do they just give up and decide to can the film entirely? Though it’s a drastic measure, it’s safe to say that 'Ant-Man' isn’t exactly the most desirable or profitable superhero around, and there’s no telling how the movie could perform at the box office. If Marvel did scrap it, perhaps they could focus their efforts on a new flick for one of their other characters: what about She-Hulk or a Ms. Marvel movie? Chances are it’s not going to be scrapped and a new director will be announced eventually, but who’s best fit for the position?

The search for a new director begins now, but could it end with Joe Cornish?

It’s sad but true. Edgar Wright has departed Marvel’s Ant-Man movie with a new director to be announced shortly. Not much was divulged about Wright’s exit, but he and Marvel released a short joint statement on the Marvel website stating it was “due to differences in their vision of the film”.

Edgar Wright at the premiere for 'The World's End'

Here’s the statement in full: “Marvel and Edgar Wright jointly announced today that the studio and director have parted ways on Marvel's "Ant-Man" due to differences in their vision of the film. The decision to move on is amicable and does not impact the release date on July 17, 2015. A new director will be announced shortly.”

Attack The Block director and Ant-Man co-writer Joe Cornish has been put to work by Universal on new thriller, ‘Section 6’, which stars ‘Unbroken’s’ Jack O’Connell. The Wrap broke the story.

Joe Cornish at the premiere for his film, 'Attack The Block'

The had been the subject of an intense bidding war, leading Universal to shell out a 7-figure sum amidst competition from high profile rivals. With the spec acquired, Universal set out to find their director, with Cornish beating out David MacKenzie and Tom Hooper for the job.

The bets are on as to who will succede JJ Abrams after his departure from the Star Trek franchise.

Hollywood’s current sci-fi director en vogue, Jj Abrams won’t be available to direct the third Star Trek film, that much has been known since Abrams took on the commitment to direct Star Wars Episode VII. According to a report by Deadline, Paramount is currently courting Joe Cornish for the director’s spot on the third film.

The British director might take over now that JJ Abrams has stepped down.

Cornish got his start in the business with Attack The Block, the saga of a group of British youths who stave off an alien invasion in their rough neighborhood. His later credits include co-writing The Adventures of Tin Tin, as well as working on the script of Marvels Ant-Man alongside Edgar Wright, who will also direct the project. This means that Cornish certainly has experience within the sci-fi genre and, as he proved on Attack of the Block, he can pull off a good sci-fi flick on a relatively tight budget.

Having gained a niche but dedicated following alongside Adam Buxton with their comedy antics, Joe Cornish has made the successful transition to film directing and writing. But is he ready for his biggest challenge of all time? And will they even give him the Star Trek 3 job?

The position is vacant due to J.J. Abrams' decision to jump ship and join the other galaxy of Star Wars – Episode VII, despite numerous casting and script problems – due for a summer 2015 release.

Cornish does have film pedigree: his low-budget flick, Attack the Block, featured a full-scale alien invasion and the subsequent reaction from a small group of impoverished London teenagers. It was a triumph of sorts, and certainly announced the director’s talents.

You just knew that when Spielberg and Jackson embraced 3D performance-capture animation, the results would be seriously eye-catching. And yes, this film looks amazing. It also borrows enjoyably from Spielberg's entire back catalog.

So it's a shame the story and characters aren't stronger.

When intrepid young journalist Tintin (Bell) buys a model ship called The Unicorn, he's suddenly launched into a mystery. Pursued by the relentless treasure-hunting Sakharine (Craig) and quizzed by the blustery detectives Thompson and Thompson (Pegg and Frost), Tintin and his faithful dog Snowy try to unlock The Unicorn's secret. This involves tracking down Captain Haddock (Serkis) on the high seas, then teaming up for a breathless chase through a North African desert to a bustling market town.

First-time feature filmmaker Cornish invests plenty of energy and humour into this alien invasion thriller, apparently going for a Shaun of the Dead tone.

And while it's not that funny or coherent, it keeps us entertained.

On her way home in South London, trainee nurse Sam (Whittaker) is mugged by Moses (Boyega), who is then attacked by a small ape-like creature that has fallen from the sky. After killing it, Moses and his pals take it to the 19th floor flat of their drug dealer (Frost), who's working for the unstable mobster Hi-Hatz (Hunter). But things escalate from here, as an army of larger wolf-gorilla creatures with glowing teeth descend on the block. And Sam needs to team up with her tormenters and a local stoner (Treadaway) to fight them off.